Lake District holidays + Walking holidays | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/lakedistrict+walkingholidays
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Redmayne House B&B, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: hotel reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/11/redmayne-house-kirkby-stephen-cumbria-bb-hotel-review
<p>A stylish, supremely comfortable B&amp;B with big breakfasts – Eden Valley walkers couldn’t ask for a better place to relax<br></p><p>It’s late on a winter’s afternoon in the Eden Valley, and the light is fading. We’ve done a nine-mile hike to Nine Standards Rigg, high on the Pennine watershed, and, as B&amp;B owners Liz and Rob Paisley advised, we’re safely back in Kirkby Stephen town before 4pm.</p><p>Our dinner booking is not till 8.30, which means a lovely long time to make the most of our billet. There are B&amp;Bs that are just places to lay your head for a walking trip or family wedding, say. Then there are places like Redmayne House – supremely comfortable and unaffectedly welcoming, where it’s a pleasure to just hang out.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/11/redmayne-house-kirkby-stephen-cumbria-bb-hotel-review">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysBed and breakfastsUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelHotelsShort breaksWalking holidaysSat, 11 Feb 2017 11:00:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/11/redmayne-house-kirkby-stephen-cumbria-bb-hotel-reviewPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRLiz Boulter2017-02-11T11:00:14ZYHA Ambleside, the Lake District: hostel reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jan/28/yha-ambleside-hostel-review-lake-district-cumbria
<p>This flagship hostel on Windermere offers backpackers and families a millionaire’s view for the price of a bunk – plus homemade cake </p><p>The Youth Hostels Association got a bargain in the 1970s when it paid £71,000 for a terrace of four small Victorian hotels at the head of Windermere. On this coveted shore lined with millionaires’ villas and country house hotels, Ambleside YHA is a prime chunk of waterside property, offering a rich man’s view for the price of a dorm bed. Only a small car park lies between its front door and the lake’s gently lapping waves: you can sip your morning coffee on the jetty with your feet dangling over the water (at least, you could if it wasn’t January).</p><p>Behind its dour 19th-century facade a bright, refurbished reception area welcomes guests into a flagship of 21st-century hostelling. A poster at reception advertises free daily yoga sessions; there’s homemade sponge cake on a cake stand on the bar of the lake-view restaurant, alongside craft beers and Cumbrian real ales. In the dining area, where retro prints of Lake District fells hang on pale grey walls, the Scandi-style canteen tables are shared by young families, walking groups and international backpackers.</p><p>Our family room was large, functional and spotlessly clean. For £60 you can’t expect deep mattresses or thick walls</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jan/28/yha-ambleside-hostel-review-lake-district-cumbria">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysHostelsUnited Kingdom holidaysFamily holidaysWalking holidaysHotelsBed and breakfastsTravelEngland holidaysCumbriaSat, 28 Jan 2017 10:00:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jan/28/yha-ambleside-hostel-review-lake-district-cumbriaPhotograph: YHAPhotograph: YHARachael Oakden2017-01-28T10:00:52ZBigger and better: the expanded Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national parks awaithttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jul/31/lake-district-national-park-yorkshire-dales-food-pubs-walks
<p>Extensions to two of England’s most beautiful upland national parks mean there are now new walks, great pubs and history that’s ripe for exploring</p><p>Sometimes, joining the dots works. Once upon a time northern England had two great national parks: the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/lakedistrict">Lake District</a> and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/yorkshire">Yorkshire Dales</a>. In between was a heap of beautiful country – big-shouldered fells dotted with castles and cascades – but few people ventured there, believing that if it had not been included, it must be inferior.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jul/31/lake-district-national-park-yorkshire-dales-food-pubs-walks">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysYorkshire holidaysWalking holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelFood and drinkFood & drinkCumbriaSun, 31 Jul 2016 06:00:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jul/31/lake-district-national-park-yorkshire-dales-food-pubs-walksPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoKevin Rushby2016-07-31T06:00:27ZHidden beauty spots in the Lake District and Yorkshire Daleshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/may/28/lake-district-yorkshire-dales-beauty-spots-river-walks-swim
<p>Wonderful, secluded places are still to be found in the well-trodden Lakes and Dales, as we reveals in an excerpt from the Wild Guide to the area</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/may/28/lake-district-yorkshire-dales-beauty-spots-river-walks-swim">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysYorkshire holidaysEngland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysWalking holidaysSwimming holidaysTravelFood and drinkCumbriaSat, 28 May 2016 06:00:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/may/28/lake-district-yorkshire-dales-beauty-spots-river-walks-swimPhotograph: Daniel Start/www.wildswimming.com / DaniePhotograph: Daniel Start/www.wildswimming.com / DanieDaniel Start2016-05-28T06:00:26ZUK wilderness adventures: sleep in a cave in the Lake Districthttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/mar/21/sleep-in-cave-dove-crag-lake-district
<p>Set up camp at the intriguigingly named Priest’s Hole, a cave on the side of Dove Crag, and then wake up to a penthouse view of the fells </p><p><strong> <br></strong></p><p>Spending a night at “Priest’s Hole”, a cave hidden high up on the side of a fell called Dove Crag, is almost a rite of passage for outdoors aficionados. This isn’t a dark, scary tunnel deep in the mountainside; it’s merely a shallow overhang, big enough to keep the wind and rain at bay, but open enough to prevent any claustrophobia. On a clear day, while sitting inside, it’s like having a penthouse view over the northern Lake District. Upon arrival, you’ll feel almost as though you’ve stumbled into a bothy: there’s usually a collection of tarps or groundsheets left by previous users, occasionally some camping stove gas canisters (usually left because there’s some gas remaining), and even a plastic box containing a visitors’ book and a pen, so you can record your visit.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/mar/21/sleep-in-cave-dove-crag-lake-district">Continue reading...</a>Camping holidaysLake District holidaysWalking holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelSat, 21 Mar 2015 07:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/mar/21/sleep-in-cave-dove-crag-lake-districtPhotograph: Hugh CollinsPhotograph: Hugh CollinsPhoebe Smith2015-03-21T07:00:05ZGreat country walks: Great Langdale, the Lake Districthttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/28/20-great-country-walks-great-langdale-lake-district
<p>Follow the Cumbria Way’s much-loved route in the shadow of some of England’s finest mountain scenery<br><br></p><p><strong>Category</strong> Moderate<br><strong>Distance</strong> 8.4 miles/14km<br><strong>Typical duration</strong> 4 hours 30 minutes<br><strong>Start and finish</strong> The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale<br><strong>Map</strong> OS Landranger 90<br><strong>Step-by-step details and maps</strong> <a href="http://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/find-a-walk-or-route/about-ramblers-routes/route-detail.aspx?routeUID=1930">ramblers.org.uk/greatlangdale</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/28/20-great-country-walks-great-langdale-lake-district">Continue reading...</a>Walking holidaysTravelLake District holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysWed, 28 Jan 2015 06:00:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/28/20-great-country-walks-great-langdale-lake-districtPhotograph: Peter Robinson/AlamyThe Langdales offer some of Britain's most stunning and most photographed scenery. Photograph: Peter Robinson/AlamyPhotograph: Peter Robinson/AlamyThe Langdales offer some of Britain's most stunning and most photographed scenery. Photograph: Peter Robinson/AlamyGuardian Staff2015-01-28T06:00:27ZWhy a Lake District winter break is the perfect escapehttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/14/lake-district-winter-break-walking-pubs-spas
<p>With bracing walks, dramatic scenery and not a tourist in view, visiting the Lakes is more enjoyable at this time of year, says Kevin Rushby. And when the weather turns, it’s easy to keep warm. Cumbrian whisky, anyone?</p><p>Coming up the steep ascent I start to zigzag, blowing hard. The early mist is clearing and sunshine breaks around the corner of the mountain. A grouse chuckles nearby in the heather. Then, suddenly, I am at 500 metres and on the top, gazing out over a vast panorama of lakes and mountains. Far to the west is a golden smudge of sea and, even as I stand there, the sky is clearing, patches of blue joining hands over Buttermere and out beyond Scafell Pike. I take a panoramic shot with my phone and tweet it. Within a minute I get a text back from a friend: “It’s raining here.”</p><p>Further along the ridge, the view is down into Crummock Water, the entire lake a dappled mirror of russet and gold. The air is utterly still and clear. “Where are you?” comes a second text.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/14/lake-district-winter-break-walking-pubs-spas">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysWalking holidaysClimbing holidaysSpa breaksEngland holidaysFood and drinkBars and clubsTravelWed, 14 Jan 2015 06:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/14/lake-district-winter-break-walking-pubs-spasPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRKevin Rushby2015-01-14T06:00:05ZCountry diary: Lake District: A fleece in timehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/23/lake-district-fleece-in-time
<strong>Lake District</strong>: The Fix the Fells volunteers brave all weathers to repair the damage caused by 12m pairs of boots a year<p>"Wordsworth described the Lake District dales – the Duddon Valley, Eskdale, Wasdale, Ennerdale, Buttermere, Borrowdale and Langdale – as radiating out from Esk Hause like the spokes of a huge wheel," said Joe Cornforth, levering a boulder from the fellside with a crowbar.</p><p>Hard at work on the very hub of that wheel, he appeared to ignore the rain. A&nbsp;National Trust <a href="http://www.fixthefells.co.uk/" title="">Fix the Fells</a> supervisor, he and his team of volunteers brave all weathers to restore footpaths from the wear caused by an estimated 12m pairs of boots a year, so helping to protect the ecology and archaeological heritage of this electrifying landscape. Without attention the unsightly scars developed by walkers on the passes linking dales such as Harter Col, Burnmoor Tarn, Black Sail and Sty Head, Scarth Gap and Stake become gullies that channel streams downhill. So alternative paths have to be created and the scars barricaded off.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/23/lake-district-fleece-in-time">Continue reading...</a>Lake DistrictVolunteering holidaysConservationEnvironmentRural affairsUK newsWalking holidaysLake District holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelThe National TrustVolunteeringSun, 23 Feb 2014 20:59:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/23/lake-district-fleece-in-timePhotograph: Tony GreenbankJoe Cornforth, Fix the Fells supervisor for Borrowdale, Buttermere and Ennerdale, centre, with some of his volunteers. Photograph: Tony GreenbankPhotograph: Tony GreenbankJoe Cornforth, Fix the Fells supervisor for Borrowdale, Buttermere and Ennerdale, centre, with some of his volunteers. Photograph: Tony GreenbankTony Greenbank2014-02-23T20:59:01ZTen of the best walks around the countryhttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/07/uk-country-walks-do-something-active
From three-hour walks to seven-day trails, here's a selection of our favourite rambles<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/05/start-walking-group-do-something-social">Start your own social walking group</a><p>Land recently acquired by the National Trust has made accessible a previously hidden view over postcard-perfect cliffs. The blue water of the English Channel stretches to France, while erosion from its waves maintains the iconic rock's startling whiteness. From the Gateway to the White Cliffs visitor centre, walk along the coastal path toward South Foreland lighthouse. A circular walk over four miles. Allow three hours.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/07/uk-country-walks-do-something-active">Continue reading...</a>Walking holidaysTravelThe National TrustYorkshire holidaysSomerset holidaysCornwall holidaysEngland holidaysIsle of Skye holidaysLake District holidaysEdinburgh holidaysScotland holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysFri, 07 Feb 2014 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/07/uk-country-walks-do-something-activePhotograph: AlamyWhite Cliffs of Dover, Kent. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyWhite Cliffs of Dover, Kent. Photograph: AlamyThe Guardian2014-02-07T10:34:00ZCountry diary: Great Langdale, Lake District: Lakeland walkers in a tight spothttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/17/great-langdale-lake-district-walkers-tight-spot
<strong>Great Langdale, Lake District:</strong> Seven people and a labrador had already squeezed through Fat Man's Agony. But not this poor soul<p>The commotion on the fellside could be heard down to the road at the top of the hairpins en route from Great Langdale to Little Langdale.</p><p>"You should never have brought me here," said a voice. "You can still make a detour," said another. "That looks worse," replied the aggrieved. "I'm going back." And so this person retreated, a stiffly built woman in her 50s, her face clouded with frustration as she made her way down the bracken and rocks back to the roadside where a minibus was parked.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/17/great-langdale-lake-district-walkers-tight-spot">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysWalking holidaysEnvironmentRural affairsUK newsUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelSun, 17 Nov 2013 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/17/great-langdale-lake-district-walkers-tight-spotPhotograph: Joe CornforthWalker in a tight spot: Fat Man's Agony on Side Pike, with Blea Tarn in the background, Lake District. Photograph: Joe CornforthPhotograph: Joe CornforthWalker in a tight spot: Fat Man's Agony on Side Pike, with Blea Tarn in the background, Lake District. Photograph: Joe CornforthTony Greenbank2013-11-17T21:00:00ZCountry diary: Hallin Fell, Lake District:https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/08/lake-district-throw-away-crutches
<strong>Hallin Fell, Lake District:</strong> I managed to sprawl on the slope as thunder reverberated overhead and forked lightning lit up Howtown<p>My crutches trembled with static electricity like a tuning fork as black clouds glowered, and thunder rumbled over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallin_Fell" title="">Hallin Fell</a>. This <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_%28hill%29" title="">Marilyn </a>(1,271 feet) is a Lakeland miniature, surrounded on three sides by shining Ullswater. Flashes of lightning illuminated the lake. Dramatic. How the day had darkened. Blobs of rain began to fall, an ominous sign.</p><p>What did I once read about surviving? Quick, lie on the ground. I managed to sprawl on the slope as the first crack of thunder reverberated overhead and forked lightning lit up Howtown. I tossed my crutches away and waited. At last the storm passed, leaving me free to roll towards the alloy tubes I had been so keen to jettison. On my feet at last, and thoroughly bedraggled, I continued downhill.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/08/lake-district-throw-away-crutches">Continue reading...</a>EnvironmentLake District holidaysWalking holidaysRural affairsUK newsUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelSun, 08 Sep 2013 20:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/08/lake-district-throw-away-crutchesPhotograph: CBW/AlamyDramatic light over Ullswater in the Lake District. Photograph: CBW/AlamyPhotograph: CBW/AlamyDramatic light over Ullswater in the Lake District. Photograph: CBW/AlamyTony Greenbank2013-09-08T20:00:01ZEngland's forests: you're never too young for orienteeringhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/aug/03/englands-forests-orienteering-whinlatter
At Whinlatter in the Lake District, waymarked trails lead you through a real-life fairy story<p>M y two little girls read about forests in their storybooks. We go walking and play at Goldilocks. But we're not exactly living off-grid in urban Chester and, while we enjoy days out in the forest, we know little about the woodland ecosystem. Let's just say that Bear Grylls is not exactly watching his back yet for the Atkinson clan.</p><p>That's why, with school holidays kicking in, Maya (seven), Olivia (three) and I have come to <a href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/whinlatter" title="">Whinlatter Forest</a> in the Lake District, which has healthy communities of red squirrels, roe deer and nesting ospreys, for a back-to-nature weekend of forest trails, Lakeland views and heaps of fresh air.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/aug/03/englands-forests-orienteering-whinlatter">Continue reading...</a>Family holidaysLake District holidaysEngland holidaysWalking holidaysTravelTrees and forestsWildlifeEnvironmentAgriculture and forestryEducationActivities for childrenLife and styleFri, 02 Aug 2013 23:01:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/aug/03/englands-forests-orienteering-whinlatterPhotograph: Sam AtkinsWhinlatter, England’s only true mountain forest, opened a group of family-friendly trails a few years ago to introduce children to basic navigational skills. Photograph: Sam AtkinsPhotograph: Sam AtkinsWhinlatter, England’s only true mountain forest, opened a group of family-friendly trails a few years ago to introduce children to basic navigational skills. Photograph: Sam AtkinsDavid Atkinson2013-08-02T23:01:06ZCountry diary: Keswick, Lake District: On crutches amid the gambolling Herdwickshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jun/30/keswick-on-crutches-gambolling-herdwicks
<strong>Country diary: Keswick, Lake District: </strong>Pan pipes accompany my progress under Cat Bells but I am lost as to the source<p>"Mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs," say the Psalms, so reminiscent of Keswick's surrounding fells. Causey Pike, Grisedale Pike, Skiddaw, Latrigg and Castlehead are the "gambolling Herdwicks" that look their best as I aim for the lake.</p><p>I am using crutches instead of trekking poles while recovering from a hip operation – a procedure different to the hip replacement I experienced in 1997, which then allowed me to climb once more. This replacement sadly broke in September, heralding a saga of postponements. Fortunately, Mr Patel of Royal Lancaster Infirmary agreed to mend my leg, warning it would be taxing. In December he pronounced his handiwork successful.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jun/30/keswick-on-crutches-gambolling-herdwicks">Continue reading...</a>EnvironmentRural affairsUK newsLake District holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEngland holidaysTravelWalking holidaysSun, 30 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jun/30/keswick-on-crutches-gambolling-herdwicksPhotograph: Tony GreenbankCat Bells in early morning light from near the isthmus on Derwentwater, June 2013. Photograph: Tony GreenbankPhotograph: Tony GreenbankCat Bells in early morning light from near the isthmus on Derwentwater, June 2013. Photograph: Tony GreenbankTony Greenbank2013-06-30T20:00:00ZCumbria: holidays beyond the Lake Districthttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/feb/18/cumbria-beyond-the-lake-district
Roman forts, jagged cliffs, sandy beaches and must-have ice-cream. There's more to Cumbria than the Lake District<p>Thirty-nine. That's the percentage of Cumbria which is occupied by the Lake District national park, a sprawling collection of soaring peaks and knobbly fells punctuated with a smattering of giant meres (<a href="http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/" title="">lakedistrict.gov.uk</a>). Every year visitors in their millions descend here – most will enjoy a boat trip on Windermere, perhaps visit the <strong>Beatrix Potter house</strong> (<a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top/" title="">nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top</a>) in Near Sawrey, stop at a tearoom in Keswick then head home. For many Cumbria ends here. But not for me … because I know a secret.</p><p>Beyond the invisible borders of Lakeland, behind the infamous hills, just a 20-mile drive west from Keswick, lies this northern county's little-known coastline. Separated from Scotland by the Solway Firth, coastal Cumbria starts at the cobbled streets of <strong>Silloth</strong> (<a href="http://www.golakes.co.uk/">golakes.co.uk</a>), which is where I began my trip.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/feb/18/cumbria-beyond-the-lake-district">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysWalking holidaysFood and drinkBeach holidaysEngland holidaysTravelHeritageUnited Kingdom holidaysEurope holidaysShort breaksWeekend breaksBirdwatchingEnvironmentMon, 18 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/feb/18/cumbria-beyond-the-lake-districtPhotograph: AlamyCumbria's coastline has as much to offer as its much praised and visited Lakes. Photograph: AlamayPhotograph: AlamyCumbria's coastline has as much to offer as its much praised and visited Lakes. Photograph: AlamayPhoebe Smith2013-02-18T08:00:00ZFell walking, Cumbria: Howgill Fells – the quiet hillshttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/26/unusual-places-britain-howgill-fells-cumbria
Lost somewhere between the Lakes and the Dales, the spectacular Howgill Fells are little visited by even the keenest of walkers. <strong>Kevin Rushby</strong> sets out to find out what they're missing<p><strong>In his new monthly column, Kevin&nbsp;Rushby discovers the parts of Britain that fall between the gaps, the areas generally overlooked in favour of their more famous neighbours </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/26/unusual-places-britain-howgill-fells-cumbria">Continue reading...</a>Walking holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysEurope holidaysShort breaksEngland holidaysLake District holidaysTravelSat, 26 Jan 2013 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/26/unusual-places-britain-howgill-fells-cumbriaPhotograph: AlamyThe Howgills spread across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Click on the magnifying glass icon for a larger version. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyThe Howgills spread across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Click on the magnifying glass icon for a larger version. Photograph: AlamyKevin Rushby2013-01-26T07:00:00ZBlack Sail in the sunshine for Guardian Northerner weekendhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/nov/05/lakedistrict-lake-district
England's loneliest youth hostel sees a small invasion before its excellent wardens call it a day. New hands will be in charge when Spring comes to Ennerdale in the English Lake District<p>A cheerful note to start the week: the <em>Guardian Northerner</em>'s first Bloggers Weekend was a major success, thanks to the weather god or gods and a young couple called Suzie Brett and Martin Lyne.</p><p>Regulars in the Lake District will know them as the exemplary wardens for the past two years of that shrine for fellwalkers, <a href="http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/black-sail">Black Sail youth hostel</a> in the far reaches of Ennerdale, beneath the bastions of Great Gable, Kirk Fell and Pillar.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/nov/05/lakedistrict-lake-district">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysLake DistrictMountaineeringUnited UtilitiesHostelsWalking holidaysBloggingMon, 05 Nov 2012 08:40:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/nov/05/lakedistrict-lake-districtPhotograph: Joe Cornish/The National TrustWild Ennerdale: clear skies, clear thinking - and tasty curries. Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National TrustPhotograph: Joe Cornish/The National TrustWild Ennerdale: clear skies, clear thinking - and tasty curries. Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National TrustMartin Wainwright2012-11-05T08:40:00ZCountry diary: King of the cragshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/oct/21/eskdale-cumbrian-king-crags
<strong>Eskdale, Cumbria:</strong> Few fells dominate the skyline from afar like Harter Fell as it rises between Eskdale and the Duddon<p>Few fells dominate the skyline from afar like Harter Fell as it rises between Eskdale and the Duddon. See it from Holmrook, or Drigg on the coast, and, as 67-year-old Eric Harrison says, "It stands&nbsp;there absolutely magnificent in the centre, like 'I'm the king of the castle'." His family has shepherded Brotherilkeld farm at the head of Eskdale for more than 100 years and he has farmed here for 40 years plus with his brother Geoff.</p><p>When he was eight, Eric accompanied farmer Tom Crozier and a horse called Zebe that worked on the farm to Harter's summit. Eric had hoped – as boys will – to hitch a ride on the sturdy fell pony, but Zebe (which always wore a chain so it could be readily caught when it trod on the links) was carrying a bag of cement needed to make a platform for the Ordnance Survey trig point on top. He was forlorn to find that neither could he ride down. The steep angle tipped him headlong over the horse's head, down towards the leafy belt of trees by the river Esk, below where, farther on near Doctor Bridge, gunman Derek Bird took his life after leaving<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/cumbria-shootings" title=""> a trail of destruction through west Cumbria</a> two years ago.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/oct/21/eskdale-cumbrian-king-crags">Continue reading...</a>FarmingEnvironmentRural affairsUK newsLake District holidaysWalking holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelEngland holidaysSun, 21 Oct 2012 20:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/oct/21/eskdale-cumbrian-king-cragsPhotograph: guardian.co.ukView from near the rocky summit of Harter Fell. From left: Slight Side, Scafell, Scafell Pike, Broad Crag, Ill Crag, Great End and Esk Pike. Photograph: guardian.co.ukPhotograph: guardian.co.ukView from near the rocky summit of Harter Fell. From left: Slight Side, Scafell, Scafell Pike, Broad Crag, Ill Crag, Great End and Esk Pike. Photograph: guardian.co.ukTony Greenbank2012-10-21T20:00:05ZCan you help Katy fill up a youth hostel on Sunday night?https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/oct/02/derwentwater-youth-hostel-theatre-by-the-lake-keswick
Nearly a year into its new independent life, Derwentwater youth hostel in the Lake District is making a go of it. Here's a chance to find out more, and give the place a hand at the same time<p>Just under a year ago the <em>Guardian Northerner</em> reported <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2011/nov/01/derwentwater-yha-hostel-barrow-house-lake-district-walking">a piece of good news</a>: that the Derwentwater youth hostel, which had been threatened with closure due to the Youth Hostel Association's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/feb/23/youth-hostels-association-selling-off">shift in policy </a>towards honeypots and cities, was to continue under new and different ownership. This followed <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2011/jun/01/derwentwater-youth-hostel-barrow-house-yha-national-trust">an eloquent appeal </a>from its former warden Harry Ellis which we ran in June last year.</p><p>How have they done? Well, in fluttered this email this morning from a fell wanderer in Brighton, Katy Moore, and the news is good. Note too that her message includes an invitation which, time and commitments permitting, none could surely refuse. Let it come from Katy:</p><p>Dear Northerner,<br>&nbsp;<br>On 1st November 2011 you brought us this wonderful piece of good news. I was very happy to read it when planning my hostel-to-hostel walk across the Lake District.<br>&nbsp;<br>I had the pleasure of staying at the hostel this August and I am going to stay there again on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October. The hostel is providing fantastic experiences for many school children, as well as families, interest groups, and a diverse assortment of other adventurous visitors - everyone shares a desire to explore and to support the good work of the dedicated hostel team.<br>&nbsp;<br>The hostel is not-for-profit and I am glad to say that it has not lost money in its first year of independent operation. However, it is not always full. At the moment there is only one other person staying in the hostel with me on Sunday night - can you <a href="http://www.derwentwater.org/">help me to raise this number</a> and get the last month of their first year off to a great start?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/oct/02/derwentwater-youth-hostel-theatre-by-the-lake-keswick">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysYoung peopleNational parksHostelsTheatreWalking holidaysMountaineeringTue, 02 Oct 2012 11:54:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/oct/02/derwentwater-youth-hostel-theatre-by-the-lake-keswickPhotograph: Mark Waugh/mark waugh . netDerwentwater youth hostel. Loads of room, lovely view, walks in Paradise.Photograph: Mark WaughPhotograph: Mark Waugh/mark waugh . netDerwentwater youth hostel. Loads of room, lovely view, walks in Paradise.Photograph: Mark WaughMartin Wainwright2012-10-02T11:54:45ZCountry diary: Lake District: The thrill of the mountainshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jul/15/country-diary-lake-district-mountains
<strong>Lake District:</strong> Braving Jack's Rake is not without its risks, but the rewards for scramblers on a fine day are immense<p>There can be few mountain features that quicken the pulse of the climber-at-heart more than the gloriously slanting rakes breaching Lakeland's mountain walls and crags. Rake's Progress – the shelf under beetling Scafell Crag, which gives on to the Central Buttress – was ever well named, the bright green refuge of the Oval being the next stop up the cliff face (as it nestles below the bete noire of the Great Flake).</p><p>But Scafell, of course, also has Lord's&nbsp;Rake, away to the top of England's most dangerous mountain. A&nbsp;deep diagonal gully slants up from below the crag, filled with scree and boulders, and care is needed not to trigger lethal debris. Let no one belittle the risks inherent in rakes. Two recent deaths on different occasions from Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark are sadly cases in point; just two more names to add to a list that has accumulated through the years. Internet comment since then has suggested that scramblers should attach&nbsp;themselves to a <em>via ferrata</em>-style cable, which would run the height of Jack's&nbsp;Rake in its spectacular sweep up and across the crag from bottom right to&nbsp;top left like a bandolier. Thankfully, the response from mountaineers suggests they would not welcome such an exercise.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jul/15/country-diary-lake-district-mountains">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysEnvironmentRural affairsUK newsUnited Kingdom holidaysTravelWalking holidaysMountainsEngland holidaysSun, 15 Jul 2012 20:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jul/15/country-diary-lake-district-mountainsPhotograph: Tony GreenbankPavey Ark looms above Stickle Tarn as Jack's Rake cuts across it from bottom right to top left like a bandolier. Photograph: Tony GreenbankPhotograph: Tony GreenbankPavey Ark looms above Stickle Tarn as Jack's Rake cuts across it from bottom right to top left like a bandolier. Photograph: Tony GreenbankTony Greenbank2012-07-15T20:00:01ZParadise found: Cumbria's Eden Valleyhttps://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/06/eden-valley-cumbria-holidays
Eastern Cumbria's Eden Valley has all the green valleys and cute cottages of the much busier Lake District, and now it has chic places to stay too<p>We were peering through the glass-panelled front door of Whitbysteads farmhouse in the village of Askham, wondering if anyone was home, when Victoria Lowther appeared from a barn in the yard, with her daughter, two horses, two lurchers almost as big as the horses and a pug called George. Tall and elegant (the Lowthers, not the horses, which are sturdy cobs) they looked for a moment like a modern-day version of the sort of classic English painting you might see in the National Gallery: landed gentry surrounded by their faithful animals.</p><p>But then everything in this corner of northern England looks like a painting: the view from the front yard of Whitbysteads of Lowther Castle and the Eden Valley with the Pennines in the distance; the epic panorama of Ullswater from the top of the hill behind the farmhouse. Even the fields that surround it were, at the time of our visit, brilliant green and full of newborn lambs bouncing about like battery-operated cuddly toys. This part of the world is so picturesque it's a wonder it's not rammed with coach-loads of tourists. And yet Askham, like the rest of the Eden Valley, is a rarity in Britain: an easily accessible but crowd-free stretch of rural gorgeousness.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/06/eden-valley-cumbria-holidays">Continue reading...</a>Lake District holidaysUnited Kingdom holidaysShort breaksWeekend breaksWalking holidaysBed and breakfastsCamping holidaysTravelEngland holidaysFri, 06 Jul 2012 21:45:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/jul/06/eden-valley-cumbria-holidaysPhotograph: Getty ImagesFields of dreams … the village of Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria. Click on the magnifying glass icon to see a map of the area. Photograph: Getty ImagesPhotograph: Getty ImagesFields of dreams … the village of Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria. Click on the magnifying glass icon to see a map of the area. Photograph: Getty ImagesIsabel Choat2012-07-06T21:45:06Z